Which type of access control is based on who a person is?

Biometric access controls are a specific category of authentication mechanisms that rely on identifying individuals through their unique physical characteristics or behaviors. This type of access control utilizes traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice patterns to verify a person's identity. The fundamental principle of biometric systems is that they are intrinsically linked to who the individual is, making them highly effective for ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to secure areas or information.

In contrast to other access controls, such as physical (related to tangible barriers), administrative (which involve policies and procedures), and logical (governing access to computer systems and networks), biometric controls provide a more direct and reliable method of validating identity based on inherent human traits, thereby enhancing security measures. This characteristic makes biometric access controls particularly valuable in environments where strict identity verification is crucial, helping to prevent unauthorized access effectively.